Montana driving lesson · Speed, Space & Road Conditions
Passing safely
A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Passing on a two-lane road means borrowing the oncoming lane, so you need a lot of clear road. Pass one vehicle at a time, and if you're not sure you have room, wait.
Know the rule
Whenever signs or markings allow passing, you still must judge whether there's enough room. As a general rule, pass only one vehicle at a time.
You must see at least one-third of a mile (about 10 seconds) ahead. Treat a hill or curve like an oncoming car: don't start to pass within one-third of a mile of one.
Don't pass where vehicles may enter or cross — intersections, railroad crossings and shopping center entrances. The vehicle you're passing can block your view, and turning drivers won't expect you.
Don't pass unless there's room to return to your lane, and don't count on others to make room. Return when you can see both headlights of the passed car in your rearview mirror.
On a two-lane highway you want to pass a truck, but a hill crests about a quarter mile ahead. That's within one-third of a mile, so stay behind until you're over the hill with a long, clear view.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
At 55 mph, about how many feet of clear roadway do you need to safely pass one vehicle?
About 800 feet
About 1,600 feet
About 400 feet
About 2,600 feet
Answer: About 1,600 feet
At 55 mph you need over 1,600 feet, about one-third of a mile, to safely complete a pass.
